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That fake ID may be a winner!

A few months ago, 1st Police Precinct officials came up with a way to add a little fun to Downtown law enforcement: a contest to see which bar could nab the most fake IDs.

Bars must bring the fake IDs to the 1st Precinct; while there are still only a few participants, 1st Precinct Crime Prevention Specialist Luther Krueger said enough bars have made the trek that he can pronounce a winner for May - South Beach, 323 1st Ave. N., which grabbed 35 bogus identities off patrons.

Runners-up (totals in parentheses) were:

Ocean Club, 11 S. 5th St. (18)

Gay Nineties Theater Cafe and Bar, 408 Hennepin Ave. (12)

Brothers, 1st Avenue North and 6th Street (5)

Harvey\'s Bar and Grill, 106 N. 3rd St. (3)

Kruger said many bars don\'t like confiscating IDs - fearing customer retaliation and lost staff time - but they should.

The City Attorney\'s office said anyone selling alcohol to a minor can get a maximum one year in jail and/or a $3,000 fine.

The penalty for having a fake ID is also stiff: up to a $700 fine and/or 90 days in jail. Making a fake ID can earn a year in jail and/or a $3,000 fine.